Can You Asphalt Over Concrete

If you ve been thinking about updating your driveway or parking lot you might be wondering if asphalt can be paved right over the top of the concrete.

Can you asphalt over concrete.

While it is safe to pave asphalt over concrete there are several reasons why we do not recommend this method. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. Putting asphalt over concrete is done for several reasons but does have its drawbacks. Experts who work each day in the blacktop industry refer to blacktop as flexible pavement.

Holes and cracks can simply be filled with new asphalt or be tarred over for greater durability. In fact many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year. The asphalt cement that bonds the pieces of sand and gravel in the blacktop can and does move over time. One positive aspect of installing blacktop over concrete is the concrete provides a firm base for the flexible asphalt paving.

Asphalt is far easier to maintain than concrete. Well the answer is yes. The answer to the extremely common question can i lay new asphalt over old concrete is yes you can but we discourage it. When concrete deteriorates it draws and holds moisture.

An asphalt overlay is cheaper to install than replacing concrete and can provide a smooth ride over deteriorating concrete. Holes or cracks with depth of 2 inches or more require filling before concrete overlay is applied. It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. Concrete however typically needs to be replaced to restore its luster which is expensive and time consuming to do.

Concrete provides an excellent base for the asphalt which must have a well compacted stable foundation to yield superior results. Pouring asphalt over concrete is bad for the longevity of your driveway so yes pouring asphalt over concrete may look good at first but there are bound to be troubles over time. Before concrete installation begins the asphalt is inspected and repaired as needed. Asphalt driveways that are paved over an appropriately compacted subbase will always be superior to asphalt that is laid over an unstable base or concrete that is prone to shifting and expansion.

Asphalt paving contractors frequently use asphalt over concrete on interstates state highways and city streets. It just doesn t make fiscal sense to do it as that driveway will need a lot more work in the near future. Asphalt works as a driveway base under concrete only when it is strong stable and at least 2 to 3 inches thick. So pouring asphalt over concrete will result in cracks in the asphalt anywhere that the concrete moves beneath it.

The truth about asphalt over concrete. Applying an asphalt overlay to a concrete surface is a common practice. Unstable concrete base concrete is not a compacted surface because of how hard it is when dry. It doesn t have near the strength of concrete when you measure them inch for inch.